Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With regard to this policy, the Minister entered into a populist position in the general election arguing a €4 billion tax base could be eroded. Fianna Fáil had a similar position. It has now been pointed out to the Minister, not only by Sinn Féin but by the European Commission, the IMF, the ESRI and many other external bodies, that it is reckless. What is the current position of the Minister for Finance? Is it the position in the Government manifesto? Is it the position of the Taoiseach? Will the Government continue to use the reduced fiscal space available to erode the tax base? It did this last year, taking almost €400 million out of the tax net.

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